Musculoskeletal pain and upper quadrant disability in stringed-instrument students: A cross-sectional pilot study : Un estudio piloto transversal

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is prevalent in musicians and is mainly located in the upper quadrant, affecting functionality. Repetitive movements, type of instrument, age, and sex influence this behavior, among other factors. Although the evidence is limited, it seems that string players are among those who most frequently report pain and disability of musculoskeletal origin. Objective: To characterize MSP and the level of upper quadrant disability associated with stringed instrument playing in conservatory students. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational pilot study, six self-reported assessment instruments were applied to 14 string students (8 males and six females) of different instruments (violin, viola, classical guitar, cello and double bass): Quick Dash Global (QDG) and High Performance/Musicians (QDL), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Chronic Pain Grading Scale (EGDC), the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (abbreviated DN4) and the Body Map of Pain (body chart). Results: 100% of the sample presented MSP at the time of the evaluation, mostly of low intensity, being in 21.42% of the cases of chronic and disseminated character. Neuropathic pain was present in 64.28% of cases. General functionality measured with EGDC was affected in 71.42% of the individuals. Upper limb functionality presented a mean QDG of 16.4 ±15.63 and a mean QDL of 32.11 ±16.78, while at the cervical level, 64.28% presented mild to moderate disability measured with NDI. Conclusion: DME and upper quadrant disability are frequent conditions in chordophone student musicians. Future studies should deepen the causes and investigate efficient strategies to prevent these conditions throughout their training process.